Stratego + Last Kids on Earth

Last Christmas one of my kids was gifted Stratego, a game we neither knew of nor had any idea how to pronounce. In the slow days after Christmas, it got a run while the cricket was on and leftovers were consumed. It took a while for Mr. Booking for 4 to understand the rules, I think a YouTube clip helped, but after one game it was declared quite thrilling.

A combination of Chess and Battleships, with a little bit of Risk, this two-player game has opponents trying to capture their enemy’s flag by eliminating the opposing army and avoiding bombs. Probably best for ages 8 and up; our 5-year-old likes to try, but just can’t seem to grasp the strategy of it.

The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate

My oldest began this series over a year ago and his been making his way through it with eagerness as they become available from the library or gifted to him. I recently announced that this, the first book, would be our next family read-aloud to much whining and complaining. By the end of the 3rd chapter, the 7- and 9- year-olds were hooked.

The premise is that one normal day the entire known world is taken over by monsters and zombies. Families were divided, buildings destroyed and civilisation crumbled. Jack Sullivan is alone, but he’s used to that, he’s a foster kid. His positive attitude, determination, and confidence help him build a team of teenagers who will band together to overcome fear, hunger, and boredom in this new crazy world.

Very humourous and not too scary despite the subject matter. Why have I paired it with Stratego as a gift? Well, the age range of each is similar, around 8-12-year-olds. But more than that, at one point Jack mentions Stratego as a game he has in his treehouse, and that is the only time I’ve ever heard of it, or read of it – anywhere!